The United States Secret Service reported that shortly after midnight on Sunday, April 5th, shots were heard near Lafayette Square north of the White House.
The Secret Service stated that agents have conducted a thorough search of the park and surrounding areas but did not find any suspects. The agency emphasized that no injuries were reported in this incident, and the White House continues to operate as usual.
President Trump was at the White House over the weekend. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung posted on social media platform X stating that the President was “working tirelessly at the White House and Oval Office this Easter weekend.”
As of the time of publication, the White House has not responded to requests for comment.
The Secret Service is currently searching for a vehicle and a person of interest in connection with the shooting incident. They are coordinating the investigation with the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Park Police.
In a statement released on social media, the Secret Service said, “Our investigation is ongoing. While operations at the White House remain normal, security measures have been enhanced.”
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi stated that during the initial investigation, roads leading to the area were temporarily closed and have since been reopened. He urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
The Secret Service is responsible for the security of the President and the White House complex and typically sets up temporary and permanent barriers to prevent unauthorized vehicles from approaching sensitive areas.
In recent years, due to several incidents involving vehicle crashes into security barriers, the White House has further strengthened its security measures.
On March 11th, a driver was arrested for crashing a car into a temporary barrier near the White House. The car hit the barrier near the intersection of Madison Street and H Street NW and did not result in any casualties.
Another incident occurred in October 2025 when a car crashed into a security gate on the southwest side of the White House near 17th Street and E Street NW, resulting in the driver’s arrest. Officials stated that the driver was processed following the incident, and police cordoned off the area for investigation.
In May 2024, a fatal car accident occurred near the White House when a vehicle crashed into the perimeter gate at the intersection of 15th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue, causing the unidentified male driver to be killed instantly.
The Secret Service later determined that the accident did not pose a threat to the presidential residence and treated it as a traffic accident for investigation.
Meanwhile, Lafayette Square, also known as Lafayette Park, is a renowned historical site for protests, including the recent George Floyd demonstrations in 2020. Upon Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, he ordered the removal of long-standing anti-war vigils in the park as part of the operation to clear homeless encampments in the capital.
Therefore, the incident near Lafayette Square has once again brought attention to the significance and activism associated with this iconic location.